A Pictorial History
1857 * 1982
1872
1982
An Unbroken Service
Record of 110 Years
The Schryver Insurance Agency was established in Polo in 1872 by M. E.
Schryver I to offer the public complete insurance service. This ideal was con-
tinued by M. E. Schryver 11 and today Service is still the fundamental keystone
in conducting the Schryver Agency. We want to serve you.
o
\
M. E. Schryver I
M. E. Schryver
\.
M. E. Schryver III (Retired)
STRONG COMPANIES - STRONG
POLICIES!
Economy Fire & Cas. Co.
Hartford Insurance Group
Hartford Steam Boiler Co.
Hartford Livestock Ins. Co.
U.S.F. & G. Ins. Co.
Fidelity & Guaranty Und.
U.S. Insurance Group
Western Insurance Co's.
Still Looking Ahead
For many years we have represented on-
ly Companies of the highest character -
Companies that stand back of every
policy in time of need. We will be happy
to serve your insurance needs.
Schryver Agency
Jim Schryver
Phone 946-3713
Jim Schryver
Polo, Illinois
Celebrate the past. A past that has supphed ambition, ingenuity and en-
trepreneurship. A past that has supphed us with a wonderful community
in which to live, work and play. These qualities surfaced with many years
of blood, sweat and hard work. From negotiations for placement of the
railroad line, the first step to incorporation, to present day community
activities.
As you turn the pages of this pictoral history, you will meet a few of
Polo's early citizens. You will take a walk down Mason Street in the 1880s
and examine advertisements from the city's first businesses. This
booklet, along with the weekly "Then and now" series printed in the Tri-
County Press, is to illustrate the ambition of Polo's ancesters and to fur-
ther that ambition as we make tomorrow's history today.
Challenge the future. Not just as individuals, but as a community.
Poloans have witnessed the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and will
continue in the twenty-first century to strive for betterment of their com-
munity. Small communities sometimes have a hard time meeting their
goals, but Polo's past has shown that with the cooperation of her people,
no goal is too large to reach. Without the ambition and cooperation of Polo
pioneers, there would be no past to celebrate. Continuing in this pattern,
we can challenge the future with bright hope.
The committee for Polo's 125th Anniversary Celebration would like to
thank everyone involved. Special thanks are extended to the Polo
Historical Society for use of their pictures and their wealth of knowledge
about the community. No one can fully appreciate the many hours of ef-
fort and preparation for the seven-day salute to this great city.
Pictoral History Booklet
Nancy Olson, Jim Weed, Paul Graehling.
Merle McCaffrey, Dorothy Kjolsing
SAUK VALLEY COLLEGE
L.R.C.
099417
Polo IL'.itli Anniversary Committee
Ed Olsen President
Jim Weed Treasurer
JoAnn Boddiger Secretary
Joan Higgs Activities
JoeEichholz Publicity
George Smith Parade
Bob Palermini Special Events
Polo - Celebrating the past
As we look back on 125 years of Polo history, we
must also celebrate the proud heritage of the set-
tlers who sowed the seeds of her existence. The
history is rich with firsts and stories of undeniable
courage.
The writing "Letters from Ogle and Carroll
counties, 1838-'57" indicates that the first white
settlement in Ogle County was made by Isaac
Chambers some time between Christmas 1829 and
early January, 1830. John Ankeney had traveled
through the area a year or so before and staked a
claim by stripping some bark from a tree. It is
reported that much to Ankeney's distress, he
found upon his return in spring, 1830, that
Chambers had constructed on his site a cabin to
be used as a tavern. This, however, did not
discourage Ankeney from settling here and
becoming one of the areas most active pioneers.
By 1831, white settlers planted corn in what
became Buffalo Grove, now Old Town. The area
was so named because settlers found the bones of
many buffalo who were said to have starved to
death during the winter of 1778, when it snowed
heavily, then warmed so that a hard crust formed
over the snow, keeping the animals from their
food. The Indians had named the area
"Nanusha," which means "buffalo." There also is
some reference to a town of St. Marion in this
area, but the only post office on record was Buf-
falo Grove.
On "the first moon in June," 1831, area Indians
held their annual council at Rock Island. From
that meeting came rumors of ensuing wars.
The settlers fled for Galena, but before they got
there, news of a treaty reached them. They
returned to this area only to be pushed out again
the next planting season.
Samuel Reed, one of the first settlers, had just
planted potatoes and two acres of corn when an
Indian friend warned him that some warring
redmen were coming. Reed had planted on a
Saturday. By Monday dusk, word of the Stillman
War reached him. He and a company of fellow set-
tlers took off for what is now Dixon, where the ar-
mies were camped.
The men returned to Buffalo Grove in
September to plow, sow wheat and make hay
before bringing their families back home.
Again in 1833 it was rumored that the Indians
were not happy with their treaty. This time the
men quickly secured their families in Peoria
County and returned to cultivate their crops.
There was no attack. Before harvest time the
families were back at the settlement, never to be
scared away by the Indians again.
This series of interruptions has been dubbed
"Mammy Dixon's War" after a Mrs. Dixon who is
credited with causing much of the commotion by
gossiping of overheard Indian threats. They also
have been called The Black Hawk Wars.
Even with all of this to face, the proud pioneers
Zenas Aplington
who staked their claims here achieved many
goals in short order. In 1833, Buffalo Grove had a
postmaster, Elkanah P. Bush. Rockford, 111. had
yet to establish a post office.
The early settlers have the distinction of
creating both the first schooling in the county and
the first schoolhouse. In the winter of 1834-'35,
Oliver W. Kellogg gave his house as a center of
learning. Simon Fellows, 19, taught. In 1836, the
United Brethren Church was erected for the dou-
ble purpose of education and religion.
Also in 1836, the first sawmill in the county was
built by John D. Severson on Buffalo Creek. Pro-
prietors were Kellogg, George D. Wilcoxen and
Reason Wilcoxen.
Does it sound like things were settled for people
moving in at this time? Consider the story of the
Pearson Shoemakers, who built a cabin here in
the summer of 1834. When they first came to the
area, they occupied an abandoned cabin.
The dwelling they were building was so far from
this first home that Mr. Shoemaker persuaded his
young bride to join him in the new one before it
had floor, window or door. It was fall before they
got back to Indiana where they had come from, to
buy doors and windows. Snow sometimes sifted in
through the roof, but they remidied the situation
by draping a comforter overhead and shaking it
out in the morning. It was no solar home, but it
was theirs.
In 1837, Zenas Aplington, founder of Polo, mov-
ed to Buffalo Grove at age 22. He was a man of
many occupations, working his way up from
sawmill hand to State Senator in 19 short years.
This enterprising young man seized an oppor-
tunity in the 1850s when Illinois Central Railroad
executives decided to forego laying tracks on ex-
pensive ground in Buffalo Grove. Aplington own-
ed 40 acres of land east of the grove, where Polo is
today. He gave the company permission to cut
through it.
Realizing what an opportunity it would be to live
on the rail line, Aplington moved his Buffalo
Grove home nearer to the tracks. He named the
area Polo in honor of Venitian traveler Marco
Polo. The original plat was verified in March,
1853. There was a public sale of lots that May.
The founder opened a general store in his home.
He soon built Polo's first brick store building
where Joe's Pizzaria now stands, on the north east
corner of Mason and Franklin. By the winter of
1834-'35, the town had a hotel, opened by Pearson
Shoemaker. It was first known as the Empire
House, but is better remembered by the name
Orient House. Shoemaker rented it out until he
moved to Polo to manage it in 1864. In 1855, the
Buffalo Grove post office moved to Polo.
The town had banking by 1856 and a newspaper,
the Polo Transcript, by 1857. That year thr trains
began rolling through town. The next year a
steamplaning mill opened. In a short time, the
town had many essential services.
Aplington was instrumental in establishing the
town's first church, Independent Presbyterian, in
1856. Financial crises left him without a penny,
but he still strove for better things.
In 1858 he was selected to be State Senator for
Ogle, Boone, Carroll and Winnebago counties.
Records have it that he became a favorite of
President Abraham Lincoln. Historical Society
members, who have just opened his house as a
museum of Polo history, say that Honest Abe slept
at Aplington's house on at least one occassion.
Once his Springfield duties were completed, he
commenced raising an independent army of
cavalry. Each man supplied his own horse and
equipment. With Aplington at the helm, the group
was incorporated into the Seventh Illinois
Cavalry. The company entered United States ser-
vice Sept. 13, 1861. Aplington was commissioned
one of the majors. He died in May, 1863 in the Bat-
tle of Corinth, survivied by a wife and six
children.
In the years ahead, Polo continued to progress.
It became the trade and cultural center of Ogle
County. A public library was opened here April 15,
1871, one year before Chicago had such an institu-
tion.
This history should never be forgotten by those
enjoying modern-day Polo. The pages of this book
are filled with photos which tell the story of these
years and beyond.
This is a view of East Mason and Franklin streets, circa
1880. The first building to the right of Franklin is now the Polo
National Bank. The house next to it, whose space also is par-
tially taken up by the bank, has been moved to North Division
Street, where the Richard Folks now live. Lining the street are
Polo's Civil War veterans.
Buffalo Mutual
Fire Insurance
Company
A Part of Polo
For the Past 108
Years
Office located at Scholl Insurance Agency,
112 N. Franklin
Recognize Muench's Shoes and Hosiery and Sandy's Beauty
Botique ' The East Mason building which houses them today
was once Becker's harness shop.
Professional Prescription Service
"24 Hour Emergency Prescription Service"
COMPLETE RECORD SERVICE
•Sickroom Suplies • School Supplies
•Film Supplies & Processing •Cosmetics
•Greeting Cards •Watches
•Russell Stover Candies
MAnoWAflE STORES^
•Tru-Test Paints •Lawn Chief Mowers
•Master Mechanic Hand Tools
•Housewares •Toys •Gifts
•Electric & Plumbing Supplies
•Power Tools •Lawn & Garden
•Automotive •Sporting Goods
•Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Charley Haisch, R.Ph.
Have Your Doctor Call Us
J!Mr]!M4'il!M:l.'.'.VJ; ^
Nancy^s
CELLAR SALON
Pv^
Phone 946-3410
Rt. 1, Polo, 111. 61064
Nancy Gorzny
BODY REPAIR
AUTO PAINHNG
DU PONT
LUCITECENTARIDULUX
B & H Auto Body
Repair
Robert Bellows, Prop.
409 N. Barber, Polo, Illinois 61064
Phone: 946-2415
'Beautiful Bodys are our Business"
Serving Polo with
distinction
Brown-Seidel
Funeral Home
Russ Brown & Don Seidel
601 South Division, Polo
Like PoJo, we trace our
ancestry back for
125 Years.
For that century and a quarter we have
been dedicated to publishing the
highest quaUty newspaper possible and
serving Polo welL
Tri-County Press
"Illinois' finest newspaper in Illinois finest community"
This house at the corner of Franklin and Webster streets was used as a school for
a time when Mrs. Milbrey Mulnix lived in It. In the photo above, 1904, the house
looks much as it does today with residents Ben and Conny Reints. The 1893 photo
below shows that much remodeling has taken place.
»•..»
.^in '• .
These horses are traveling east on Mason Street. The photo was taken some time In the 1880s.
Serving the Polo
Area Since 1977
t2>
DIXON HOME
Savings & Loan Assoc.
"^ tHe £
FUtURe V
maHeRs ^
mx.
Polo, Illinois - Ph. 815-946-2358
Dixon, Illinois - Ph. 815-288-3315
Mt. Carroll, Illinois - Ph. 815-244-9189
4 !
t. f- y CtifhjnitfT,
1 ^ i J' ^
Crrr./r '- j"
lla/rr/.i'ry II iilr,>fiiiri/
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7 ;
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55}- -
TH- >/■ .l/■
This 1872 plat map came from Elwin Oeuth.
■•,mr,' K A-,,r*>- //
1969
14 Years of
Professional Service to
the Community.
1982
While Polo celebrates it 125th our Store more than 150,000 Prescriptions, a record
will be celebrating its 14th year. During we are proud to have made. Professional
our 14 years our Pharmacists have filled Service by Professional Pharmacists.
"Best wishes to Polo during its 125th Anniversary Celebration"
Daws Drug Store
Gary Daws, R. Ph.
Congratulations
Polo on
your 125 th
The Upholstery
Shoppe
Cheryl Joiner
The Eatery
113 N. Division, Polo, II. 61064
Ph. 815-946-2104
Polo bricks were manufac-
tured at a factory operated
by the French family, located
on Dixon Street east of Union
Road.
"^
X
George C. Smith
Real Estate
106 E. Mason, 946-2923
10
Buffalo Town Hall doesn't look like this today, but It replaced the Polo Opera House on Franklin
Street, next to the Zenas Aplington Home, which Historical Society members have converted to a
museum of Polo history. The hall was remodeled in 1957 to look as it does now.
A Polo Firm 1919- -1982
LENNOX HEATING
and Air Conditioning
SINCE 1921
SKELGAS
L.P. and Natural Gas
APPLIANCES
Ports
Hardware
Phone 946-2113
We thought you^d like to know
v.
Arthur Scholl
Gloria & Richard Butler
In 1905 J. Fred Scholl opened his insurance of-
fice in the State Bank Building now occupied by
the Polo National Bank. With the state bank
closing in 1933, J. Fred moved his insurance
business to his home until 1936. At this time he
moved his office to the Illinois Freight House and
shared occupancy with his brother Louis Scholl,
who ran the John Deere Implement business. In
1938, Fred relocated his business to 108 N.
Franklin, where he was joined by his son, Arthur
Scholl. Arthur and his son, Russell Scholl, con-
tinued the business after Fred's death in 1949. In
1953 Russell assumed ownership of the business
following his father, Arthur's death. As the
business expanded, the need for more space pro-
mpted the move in 1959 to the Polo National
Bank in what is now the walkup window. In
September of 1959, Scholl Insurance Agency
again relocated, this time at the present address
of 112 N. Franklin Street. In 1974, Russell was
joined in the business by his son-in-law, Richard
D. Butler. This year, 1982, ownership of Scholl
Insurance Agency was assumed by a new genera-
tion of the Scholl family, Russell's daughter and
son-in-law, Gloria J. and Richard D. Butler.
We are proud to have participated in 77 years of
the 125 years of Polo's history. As in the past, we
will continue to provide the finest in all types of
insurance and the best in quality service.
Scholl Insurance Agency
Insurance Since 1905
112 N. Franklin Ave., P.O. Box 127, Polo, 111. 61064, 815-946-2324
12
1939
1982
Paints, Wallpaper,
Painting, House
Cleanings
Supplies of all kinds
Garden Supplies &
Floral Service
Brooks Paint
Store
Gala circuses and other celebrations used to come through
town in grand parades. Today we have the Jaycees' Town and
Country Days carnival in June.
13
The L.F. Thomas home, locaied at the southwest corner of
Mason and Thomas Streets was the sight of this 1887 Thomas
family photo. Seated (L to R) AIca and L.F. Thomas and their
children, LouLou and Mabelle. (Front sitting) Eugene and Ted
Thomas owned a paint store that was located where Benson's
Home Furnishings is now located.
T rrul invni.on
McDban.;. <.' I'ulu. Ul.
rnlifit ,3mrritan.
Congratulations
Polo on your
125th Year
Good Food -
Good Service
Stop in for a good sandwich or
a good meal at the
Polo Family
Restaurant
14
^t^'
Downtown
Polo, 111.
,15-946-3003
SERVICE TO THE FARMER
Grain Picked Up Direct From Farm To Terminal
Or you May Deliver To Our Elevator South Of
Polo Or To Hazelhurst
•Grain Bank
•Customer Drying
•Grind & Mix
•Hull & Roll
Tuffy Dog & Cat Food
•Master-Mix Feeds
•Liquid Protein
Master
Mix
^
o.
More to Gainl
HAZELHURST LUMBER &
GRAIN
Plant No. 3, Rt. 26 - Phone 946-3919
Plant No. 1 - Phone 946-2918 or 225-7147
15
George Drenner stands in his millwork shop, 110 E. Golden St., circa 1900.
Polo Floral continues its tradition
of service for the community through
design excellence, quality and
courteous service.
We wish Polo continued growth
and plan to contribute with en-
thusiasm to its success.
Polo Floral and Gift
122 West Mason, Polo, Illinois
lA
Furniture
Barn
Furniture Barn GUARANTEES the LOWEST
Price in Illinois. If any identical item can he
purchased for less, within 30 days of pur-
chase, we will gladly refund the difference to
you in cash.
We salute Polo on their 125th
Anniversary and the fine people
who live here.
Corner of Mason & Division
Polo, 111. 61064
16
Workers for Polo's Hemp Mill load trucks in a somewhat un- in the building that presently houses IMECO, south of town on
conventional manner, for a trip to the plant which was located Route 26-52.
Williamson
Friedrich
^^MATZNICK^^
Htg, & Cooling
114 E. Mason. Polo
Rheem Lennox
Sheet Metal
Gas, Oil, Electric
Water Heaters, Wood
Burners
Tetco Eqpt., Solar Htg.
Res. & Commercial
946-2434 or 3422
All Seasons Carpet &
Upholstery Cleaners
Polo, IL. (815) 946-3552
Stop, let us do it!
Bob Schmidt
17
55E^j*»lwst_J
J. Woolhiser built this furniture store in 1855, and to
this day, furniture lias been its line of business. Ed
Schmidt and his wife, Georgia, run the store today
under the name "Furniture Barn." Ed says the idea for
the name came from the building's shape.
Here's an old downtown scene which tells a story right by Benson's Home Furnishings, Friendly Tap and,
about how much the Mason Street business district as always, the Odd Fellows' Hall,
has changed. These buildings are now occupied left to
18
Always Friendly Service From Karen Bazzell, Karen Olsen, Ed Olsen, Marcheil Boelens, Bud Olsen, Steve Bazzell.
Original Plant
1929
:a^^£
store & Grain Bins
1982
Polo's 125th Year
' Our 53 rd Year
Olsen's Elevator & Feeds, Inc. traces its roots back to
May 15, 1929 when Axel Olsen, Sr. and Loue Madsen came
from Rockford to Polo and purchased a feed business from
William Schryver. Olsen became sole owner in 1937 when
Madsen decided to return to Rockford.
A new mill and elevator was erected in 1947 when a
partnership was formed between Olsen and his son, Axel,
Jr. Another son, Ed, joined the business in 1956 and
became a partner in 1959. Axel, Sr. retired from active par-
ticipation in the business in 1961.
The erection of storage bins in 1966 allowed the com-
pany to expand into the grain business.
Ed Olsen became sole owner on Sept. 1, 1972. The
business enjoyed another expansion in 1981 by moving of-
fices and showroom to larger quarters in their newly
remodeled location at 116 N. Franklin St. This move
allowed space for the addition of products for lawn and
garden care; an expanded line of pet and bird feeds; and a
more complete line of animal health products.
Olsen's Elevator is your dealer for Ralston Purina and
Wayne Feeds and a full service, federally licensed
warehouse, grain handling facility.
19
PNC, Inc.
117 E. Mason, Polo, 111.
BUFFALO
AGENCY
Lawrence Lannen Ben Reints, Jr.
Conny Reints
Anne Vock Teresa Criddle
106 N, Franklin, P.O. Box. 185
Polo, Illinois 61064
815-946-3113
This photo of the high
school student body of
1893 was shared by
Jane Gribbins of Polo.
Earth Moving
Conservation Work
Enloader Work
Bills^ Excavating
Service
302 N. Prairie, Polo, Ph: 946-3716
Congratulations
To Polo
Cross
Trucking
Steve, Sandy, Mike, Mark, Melissa
RR 3 Polo Ph. 946-2159
i^O
HOMES
POLE FRAME BUILDINGS
FARM BUILDINGS
REMODELING
See us for all of your do'it yourself needs
CEDAR FOREST PRODUCTS "CHALET ' — one
of dozens of high quality pre-cut western red
cedar homes
Not Just a Dream - REALITY!
You can still get a really high quality home at an affordable
price from Cedar Forest Products Company. Pre-cut and
delivered to your site ready-to-build. Solid 4"x8" 5-ply
laminated western red cedar wall timbers in beautiful
natural finish for a lifetime of low maintenance service.
Complete with plans or with all supervision or contracting
services required. Use coupon to obtain full information.
1=
2^t ' ■' >
jf^r^
Contracting-All types of Construction
Complete Planning and Design Service
s^
Cedar Forest Products Co. Division of
Farmers^ Lumber & Supply
107 W. Golden, Polo. 111. - Phone 946-2331
21
We Are Proud To Be A Member
Of The Polo Community
HAPPY 125 th
ANNIVERSARY
A Manufacturer of Quality Products
In A Quality Community
Central Quality Industries, Inc.
These gorgeous gals are, left to right: Jack Bracken, Ross
Hostetter, R. M. Brand, Ray Reinert, George Franks, Bert
Slater, Bill Begett, James Mayborn, E. J. Diehl and Leon A.
Zick. The photo was taken during the Beauty Contest at the
Polo Fall Festival, Sept. 13-14, 1928.
DOROTHY'S
BEAUiY
SERVICE
For Appointments
Ph. 946-3714 - Personalized
Service
Dorothy Stauffer
611 S. Congress Ave.
1
lie Studca
>*^^_, 301 N. Division
^A^r Jl^ 8 1 5^946-2520
''^''^'^wK^^B/^^ Photographers
1
23
1
y
>
/
Wk* )'^
\
The Lutheran Church wears a much different face than it had were destroyed in a March 5, 1928 fire. The church was rebuilt
when it was first built in 1863. The tall spires in the photo below as it appears above and dedicated Dec. 23 of the same year, on
time for Christmas.
Congratulations Polo
on your 125th Year
From
Dambman Lawnmower Hospital
946-2014
Your Simplicity Dealer
Don't Risk what you've built up
over the last 125 years.
See us for complete farm
insurance protection
•Fire
•Wind
•Crop Hail
•Farm Liability
DONT GAMBLE
Your Farm Could Be on the Line
FEDERAL KEMPER
FORRESTON CO,
MUTUAL
ROCKFORD MUTUAL
Phone Polo 946-2542
Davis Insurance Agency
Phyllis, Mike, Kathy, Doris
25
SAUK VALLEY COLLEGE
L.R.C. 099417
Bob Collins
Construction
This ice cream factory used to operate on the Jas. Woolsey
property next door north from today's TriCounty Press office
on Franklin Street.
Custom Home Builder
Remodeling and
New Additions
Also Farm Buildings
946-2753
404 S. Union Polo, 111.
REAL
ESTATE
We will find, buy, sell or
EXCHANGE
Statewide MLS
Specializing in Farms
Appraisals
For A Free Evaluation Analysis
Call-
Larry Yingling, GRl,
. ^, ^ Realtor
^ 946-2093
^bJ rfd 3. Polo
BLAIR-FUEHRER
4G COMPANY
INC.
ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY
m
BLACKHAWK
REALTORS
100 North Division/Polo, Illinois
61064
815-946-3060
26
Welcome To
Polo^s 125th
Celebration
Bob Locke
Truck & Auto Repair
946-3613
Specializing in Farms
and Homes Sales in Polo
and surrounding areas.
Stoner Real Estate
111 East Mason Street, Polo, Illinois
Polo sported a fine
basketball team in 1920.
Members left to right
were: H. K. Banernfeind,
Rex Woodin, someone
believed to be Maynard
Strell, LaVerne Binkley,
Wilbur Ban, Ernest
Savage, Charles Franks,
unknown and Freeman
Bellows.
Joes Pizza
in Polo
Best Pizza You Can Buy
Now Making New Thick Crust
Pizza
Serving Polo 4 Years
Ph. 946-3941
102 E. Mason
YOUR MOST
COMPLETE Super
Market
with
Fresh Baked Goods
Daily
<Sl Home Made Salads
Plus Daily
Magic Prices
27
This is a north view of the oldest of Polo's four schools.
Congress Grade School today. In five years, declining
enrollment and dwindling funds might run it out of
business. This shot probably was taken soon after the
school was built in 1899. The cannon in the foreground
was a souvenir of the Civil War. It was scrapped for iron
during World War II.
Serving All Faiths with
Distinction and Consideration
Time for Reflection
Thoughtful recollection is a tribute
to a loved one and the aim of every
service.
Benson
Funeral Home
509 S.Franklin St. Polo, HI.
Day or Night - Phone 946-2402
Home of Quality Name
Brand Furniture,
Carpeting, Vinyl
Flooring
Armstrong, Berkline,
Congoleum
Eureka, Galazy, Pontiac
Riverside, Salem
Free estimates on Carpeting and Vinyl
Flooring
Benson^s Home
Furnishings
109 W. Mason - Polo
28
The high school
graduating class of 1892
was a bit smaller than to-
day's. The two men are
Claude Bambourow and
John Mcllnay. Women, in
alphabetical order, are
Blanche E. (Kingery) Car-
roll, Lillian N. (Allen) Clop-
per, Cora E. (Bingamon)
Day, Alice B. (Newcomer)
Hersch, Agnes A. (Attley)
McCoy, Luella Med-
delkauff. Kittle (Klock)
Metgles, Lyia D. (Attley)
Sheley, Mabelle S.
Thomas and Paulene
(Moore) Wetzel.
Congratulations
Polo on your
125th Year
Dyers Mobil
Super Service
946-2993
F.C. Schnulle
E&S
Construction
Builders of
Grain Bins, Steel Buildings
Grain Legs
R.F.D. 3 Polo, Illinois
815-734-7248
29
Knots & Kneedles
Kraft Shop
119 E. Mason - 946-2422
Marjorie Downes, Owner
Congratulations
to Polo
Ludewig Trucking
Mervin «Sl Gail
"The Magic
Touch
Styling
Salon''
115 E. Mason St.
Polo, 111 61064
Stylist ' Carla Wagner
Phone: 946-2550
"Styles for Guys and Gals"
Four Generations of
Service and
Dependability
MOUNT PLUMBING
& HEATING, INC.
MUENCH^S
Shoes & Hosiery
For The Entire Family
Phone 946-3311 Polo, Illinois
125 Years - Best
Wishes %Polo
Residential cement ■■spti^duu Farm
Foundations & Walls
All Types of Flatwork
SINGLEY CONSTRUCTION
Mike Carla Steve Jeff
Ph. 946-3429 Polo, IL Rt. 1
30
The Polo Garment Factory, located in the building that Is now
Central Quality Industries' plant II, was a big employer during
the 1940s. General Supt. Leo Beniak apparently believed in
equality of the sexes, for after the war, he made sewers of
some returning servicemen. A branch of Rhea Manufacturing
Co., the plant ran two shifts.
Polo had a vaccine factory in the late '30s and early'40 s.
The ASL plant, run by a Mr. White, eventually moved to
Madison, Wis. The factory was in the Mason Street building
which now houses Sugar 'N Spice, a children's clothing store.
31
One thing which hasn't changed much over the years is the
exterior of the plant south of Polo on U.S. Route 52. Built as
the nation's number one hemp mill during the war with Japan,
the complex now houses IMECO, Inc., a company which pro-
duces industrial refrigeration systems used by major food pro-
cessing industries throughout the world.
HAPPY 125th BIRTHDAY
Imeco Manufacturers
Industrial Thermal Transfer
Equipment in Polo for World-
Wide Distribution.
Imeco is proud to have been
located in Polo for over 30
years.
IMEC
32
Radio Ranch
Incorporated
is proud of our Polo Heritage
We have served Nor-
therwestern Illinois' electronic
needs for the past 28 years
from our Polo Headquarters.
Call us for your 2 way radio,
computer and telephone
needs.
ELECTRICAL
CONTRACTOR
Residential -
Commercial
Farm
Jijoudia J^jounjoh^Srio.
Authorized RADIO SHACK Dealer with computer repair dept.
R.R. 3 ludson Road, Polo, \\Xa\w. 61064
Ph. 815 946-2371 ■ follow Airport sign at south edge of Polo
Van Oosten
Electric
Rt. 3, Polo, Illinois
Elwood Diehl
Congratulations Polo on
your first 125 years from
the staff of
L. P.
Thermogas
Jeannine Linker
Tim Bishop
Bill Bertsch
33
LBl^liiliOM
1876
The Polo Manufacturing Company was organized in 1874. business. L. King and H. M. Funk, who invented the machines,
Production of King and Funl( harvesters was the main line of were both Poloans.
CONCRETE
CONTRACTOR
Foundations & Flatwork
Driveways & Sidewalks
Footings & Basement Floors
SNOOK & SON
Lynn L. Snook
Ph. 946-2068 or 946-3755 - 504 S. Union.
Polo
Polo Quik Mart
Groceries & Self Serve Gas
946-9989
Country Kitchen
Home Cooking
508 S. Division, 946-2668
34
THE PINES
CHALET
1 Mile West of White Pines State Park
Wisconsin Cheese & Meats
Special Order Trays for All Oc-
casions.
A Complete New line Of Gifts.
DINING ROOM OPEN
SALAD BAR SUNDAYS
SHORT ORDERS
Breakfast All Day Lunch & Dinner
Hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday till 10 p.m.
Sunday & Holidays 8 to 6 Closed Mondays
OWNERS, HAROLD & MARGE ADAMS
Phone 946-3517
Sftccc<U Seed 0<nK ^a^UetU4-
'ZcuUcUf Seed Suee f945'
POLO SEED COMPANY
DIAL 815/946-2018
POLO, ILLINOIS 61064
VILLAGE INN
MOIEL
Leon & Sally Rasmussen
Owner
•Room Phones
•Color TV
•Carpeted Rooms
•Air Conditioned
Most Major Credit Cards Accepted
1007 S. Division (Hwys. 26 & 52), Polo
946^2229
1007 S. Division (Hwys. 26 & 52)
Polo, Illinois
Enjoy Roller Skating
at the
White Pines
Roller Rink
TELEPHONE
Polo 946-9988
Rt. 1 Mt. Morris
35
M.E.SCHRYVE
I
Ladder climbing used to be the sport of the day, and row-Petzy Abbott, William Weaver, Clayton Smith, two
Polo was in it full swing. Here is the team which took na- Paw Paw men and John Miller. Middle row-Frank Inman,
tional hook and ladder honors at Omaha in 1899, with M. E. Schryver, William Barkman and Warren Savage,
sponsor M. E. Schryver. Pictured left to right are: Back Front row-John Weaver, John Abbott and Dallas Wendle.
MASSEY-FERGUSON
GEHL DODGE
POLO MOTOR COMPANY
103 South Division Avenue
Polo, Illinois 61064
Marvin Sarber Spencer Gentry
Phone
815^946^2511
36
Sandy^s
Chandelier Room
For Appointment Call
946-2750
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday
Men and Women Hair Styling
II6V2 West Mason St.
Pines Machine Shop,
Inc.
Designers & Manufacturers of
Dies, Fixtures, Jigs, Gages
Special Machines
Lee Hunt Edgar Murney
112 E. Buffalo St. 815-946-3318
Polo, Illinois 61064
Hank's Oil
Company
Gas & Fuel Oil
Hank Van Oosten
Polo 946-2937 Dixon 288-1 153
Powell
Motors
General Auto
Repair
946-2013
Allen 1' V
Zenith Sales & Service
(si fill %^yA
Congratulations
to Polo on the
125th
Anniversary
Alrock Co.
Paul Graehling
107 N.Franklin 2600 N. Locust
Polo Sterling
37
No, the Exchange Hotel (northwest corner of Mason and
Franklin Streets) wasn't on fire when this photo was taken.
Firemen were demonstrating the power of the city's new
Water Works, established by ordinance in 1890. The hotel
was the site of the show, because it was the tallest building in
town.
VILLAGE INN
GUN SHOP
Selections of
Handguns - Rifles - Shotguns
•BUY
•TRADE
•SELL
Remington
Winchester
Smith & Wesson
946-2229
1007 South Division
Polo, Illinois
CHEVROLET BUICK
BOMBERGER «&
SON
915 S. Division
Polo, Illinois 61064
Phone (815) 946-3711
SALES & SERVICE
you can depend upon
MARJORIE
JIM
BEECHER
WALT
38
Congratulations Polo
Haldane Elevator
946-2518
39
This is an old scene at the Polo Post Office. Pic- Coy, "beetsieaK iverson uaursey, "Brigham'
tured left to right are: former postmaster, M. M. Mc- Young and A. D. Rowland.
Congratulations Polo
from your
International
Equipment
Dealer
Beede International
928 S. Division, Polo, 946-2393
40
Polo Agri Systems Offers
BINS & DRYERS
to meet all your storage and drying
requirements.
Behlen & Chicago
Eastern Grain Bins
Super B Automatic Grain Dryers
** + **** +
Behlen Continuous Flow Dryers
Behlen and Bryant - Poff Elevator
Legs
Mayrath Augers
********
Hopper Bins, etc.
Complete Line of Parts in Stock
POLO AGRI SYSTEMS
Polo, 111. Bill Saunders, Mgr. Ph. 946-2307
"WHERE SERVICE MAKES THE
DIEFERENCE"
Polo Gas
House
Jim James, Owner
Xmarathoni
Greasing, Tractor Tire Repair,
Wasiiing, Wheel Balance, Tune
Up, Test Lane
610 North Division 946-3812
We Have
Complete Grain Marketing
Service
Grain Drying «& Storage
Picked up on your farm or
delivered to our elevator
Call 946-2600 or 938-3400 to
check our grain prices
Bocker Grain,
Inc.
Rt. 3, Polo, 111. (Hwy. 64 & West Branch)
41
The Barber family was responsible for much of Polo's
early banking. Some time between 1800 and 1833,
they built this brick building and operated a private bank
through the year 1917. The exchange National Bank
was operating at that time, and continued through fall.
1932. The Polo State Bank organized after the Barber
Bros. Bank folded, only to close in 1933. Polo National
Bank was chartered Aug. 10, 1935, and has remained
as Polo's only bank.
State Farm
Insurance
Rod Daniels, Agent
Home Offices, Bloomington,
Illinois
819 S. 13th St., Oregon, Illinois
Office Phone 815-732-6690
121 V2 N. Division St., Polo, 111. 61064
Office Phone 815-946-3310
Eberts
Red Chair Barber Shop
115 S. Franklin
Hours - 5 to 9 p.m. Monday thru
Thursday
Give us a call for your construction
needs and information about our or-
chards.
Max Ebert Rt. i, 946-2254
42
CsmplitiitiHS to
tiiy friend
Dink Terry
This cartoon celebrating Polo's recovery from the Great Depression ran in the Tri-County
Press June 20, 1935.
We've enjoyed growing with you Polo.
Congratulations on your 125th year.
^
SiSSE >-k»u STO»e
1966
1982
John Deere Farm Implements
Besse Farm Store
946-2321
43
McConaughy
Chiropractic
Clinic
Congratulations
Polo
Robert Piha, MD
101 W. Mason, Polo, IL
Serving the Polo area as
medical doctor for more
than Fifty Years.
L-R- McDaniel,
Thomas A*
Cline, D.D-S.
Dentist
Steven G*
Sorenson,
Dentist
Chuck^s Shell
Service
24 Hour Wrecker Service
Polo, Illinois 61064
Phone 815-946-9984
44
The First Christian Church also has undergone church in September, 1906. Remodeling of the
major remodeling. The congregation organized exterior was done in 1945.
in February, 1904, and dedicated its first
This building is no longer a church at all, but a
home on Congress Street. The structure
originally stood in 1859 as an Episcopal church
where the Church of the Brethren is today at
Congress and Webster. When the Episcopal
congregation disbanded in 1880, the Church of
the Brethren bought the building and held ser-
vices in it until 1904, when it was sold and
moved farther south on Congress, at which time
the Brethren congregation built a new brick
church on the land at Webster Street.
45
South End Phillips
Gary Shipman
Phillips 66 Products
Phone 946-2711 - Polo, Illinois
61064
Insurance and lnv«estment Services
Phyllis, Myrna, Bob
Serving Polo Area
Life, Health, Auto, Homeowner,
Farmowner, Commercial, Crop Hail, Estate
Planning
109 E. Mason, Polo, Illinois 61064
Office Phone 815-946-3452
THANK YOU!
We at KNIE'S would like to take this opportunity to say THANK- YOU for your
patronage and hope that we may continue to serve you with NAME BRAND products
in the years to come. "CHUCK KNIE"
MAYTAG
)J^ WhiteWestinghouse
mn
^^
mc
POLO STERLING
708 S DIVISION 946-2714 | | 115 W 3ril Si 626-5631
DIXON
421 W Isl St 288 3822
SALES and SERVICE SINCE 1948!
Family
Owned and
Operated!
46
Polo's CB&Q railroad depot
located on Nortti Congress
Street at what is now the Polo
Co-op fertilizer plant, as it ap-
peared in about 1910.
■^PFfS__
■^j^ ■,.■'■— »c
i.. •1-'*^. '■- -_^
Most Complete
ction Service in
Northern Illinois
Melvin Haak, Auctioneer
Ph. 946-3343, Polo, Rt. 1
Kaufman^s
Quality plus Savings
where YOU're always
first
8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
7 Days a Week
Corner of Colden & Division, Polo, 111.
47
H.B. HUNT. DRUGGI5
H.B. Hunt, one of Polo's first druggists, is pictured in front of
his Franklin Street store.
We are proud to
be a part of Polo^s
History
Pines Auto
Repair
Greg Wagner, Owner
402 South Green St.. Polo - 946-2816
Polo Animal
Hospital
@
QP
Route 26 South, Polo, Illinois
61064
815-946-2417
J.D. Clayton, D.V.M.
J.T. O'Connor, D.V.M.
Polo Cooperative
Association
105 West Oregon, Polo, Illinois
61064
815-946-2613
A Farmer Owned
Business
Petroleum Products, Fertilizer,
Ag Chemicals, Feed, Farm
Supplies
Remember Coop Dollars return
more Farm Dollars
48
SAUK VALLEY CC LIBRARY
110 Years of
As Your Loc;
Insurance A
People You Know a
You'll be up a trr
yourself if youj
insurance covera
isn't up to par
All fooling aside, in
quale insurance protec
can really leave you ou
a limb. Let us provide
essential property in
ance coverage you net
for your family... horr
car . . . business. Just
us a call . . . today.
3 1516 00016 3152
F 99417
547
.03 Polo 125, 1857-
P76 1982
99417
F
.03 Polo 125, 1857-
P76 1982
SAUK VALLEY COLLEGE LIBRARY
R.R. 5
Dixon, IL 61021
Many of the capital stock fire and casualty in-
surance companies represented in our office have
been rendering unfailing service in time of need for
more than half a century.
Schryver Agency
Phone 946-3713
Jim Schryver
Polo, Illinois
open the Doors
To Polo^s ONLY Financial
''Supermarket''
Serving YOU Since 1935
With a Full Line of Financial Services
Polo
Notionol
Bonk
A FULL
SERVICE
BANK"
101 West Mason Street, P.O. Box 278, Polo, Illinois 61064, Phone 815/946-2334
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